Cleanup underway after tornadoes sweep through Edisto Beach during Tropical Storm Debby

EDISTO BEACH, S.C. (WCBD)- People living on Edisto Beach are in clean-up mode after two tornadoes swept through the area Monday night from Tropical Storm Debby.

The National Weather Service confirmed that two EF-1 tornadoes touched down as Debby’s outer rain bands came onshore in South Carolina, uprooting trees and damaging several homes and businesses.

The first tornado happened around 9:35 p.m. Monday along Palmetto Boulevard, with estimated peak winds of 97 mph. It tore roof decking, shingles, and siding off multiple homes as it traveled northwest along a nearly three-mile-long path.

The next tornado came on shore about 30 minutes later near Point Street with estimated peak winds of 90 mph.

Mayor Crawford Moore said eight homes suffered significant damage and one was totally destroyed.

“There were people in several of the houses…we got them taken care of,” the mayor said. “Nobody was hurt.”

A contractor who was working with some homeowners on Thursday to repair the damage left behind by the twisters described what he’s seen to News 2.

“We have seen metal roofs ripped from the corners and edges. We have seen shingles missing on three paneled roofs. Siding. A lot of fences down and some trees down,” Adam Blandford, a projector manager for H&T Roofing Charleston, said.

“Some [homeowners] have filed claims already and some adjusters came and knocked at their doors which I’ve never seen,” he continued, calling it “pretty uncommon.”

Moore urged residents to be patient as the town begins its cleanup process and reminded people to place their trash and garbage on the curb for pickup.

“Just hang in there,” he said. “We’re getting to everything as quick as we can.”

The tropical storm also brought heavy rain, causing intense flooding on parts of the island. According to the National Weather Service, nearly 15 inches of rain fell on Edisto Beach over the past four days.

Some standing water was still present along Palmetto Boulevard on Thursday afternoon, but Moore said he expects the flooding to clear up once the tide changes.

Moore said he expects the flooding to clear up quickly once the tide changes.

Several power outages were also reported as the tropical storm swept through the area on Monday night, however, Dominion Energy was able to restore power by the following evening.

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